Southern California -- this just in

Villaraigosa backs L.A. Councilman Alarcon in tough Assembly race

October 11, 2012 | 11:42
am

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is endorsing City Councilman Richard Alarcon's bid to win a seat in the Assembly, calling his longtime political ally and friend a "fierce champion for the residents of the Northeast San Fernando Valley."

The mayor said Alarcon is unafraid to stand up to "powerful, big-money interests" and is willing to "stand up for what is right" in his community. Villaraigosa's backing comes at a critical time for Alarcon, who is facing trial on multiple felony voter fraud and perjury charges involving his place of residence.

A Superior Court judge this month found "more than substantial evidence" that Alarcon and his wife, Flora Montes de Oca Alarcon, lied about where they were living so the councilman could run for his city office.

Now Alarcon is facing a tough battle for the 39th District seat being vacated by termed-out Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes. He faces Fuentes' chief of staff, fellow Democrat Raul Bocanegra, who is making his first run for office with the backing of the state Democratic Party and other Democratic politicians.

Alarcon is supported by a variety of unions and the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley. The veteran lawmaker finished a distant second in the June primary behind Bocanegra.

The Superior Court judge who ordered the Alarcons to trial is M.L. Villar de Longoria, the mayor's sister.